Mahatma Gandhi’s Statue Vandalised in London Ahead of Gandhi Jayanti

The Indian High Commission in London has strongly condemned the defacement of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Tavistock Square, calling it a “shameful act” and an attack on the values of peace and non-violence that Gandhi stood for.

The vandalism was discovered on Monday, just days before Gandhi Jayanti observed annually on October 2 and only three days ahead of the UN-designated International Day of Non-Violence. The statue, which portrays Gandhi in a seated, meditative posture, was found with disturbing graffiti scrawled across its plinth.

In an official statement posted on social media, the Indian mission expressed deep sorrow and anger over the incident. “This is not just vandalism, but a violent attack on the idea of non-violence and on the legacy of the Mahatma,” the statement read.

Officials from the High Commission visited the site immediately and are working closely with local authorities to ensure the statue is cleaned and restored to its original condition. “We have taken this up strongly with local authorities for immediate action,” the mission added.

Gandhi Jayanti, which commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, is marked by floral tributes and devotional songs at the London statue every year. The date is also globally recognised as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations.

The bronze statue, installed in 1968, was supported by the India League and serves as a tribute to Gandhi’s time as a law student at University College London, located nearby. The inscription on the statue’s base reads: “Mahatma Gandhi, 1869–1948.”

The Metropolitan Police and Camden Council have confirmed they are investigating the incident.